Attention Documentary Filmmakers: Here Are 10 Upcoming Deadlines for Grants in Support of Documentary Filmmaking

Attention Documentary Filmmakers: Here Are 10 Upcoming Deadlines for Grants in Support of Documentary Filmmaking

For documentary filmmakers looking for funding (and who isn’t?), here is a list of organizations offering grants for both international filmmakers and those in a specific region, as well as for various stages of production and outreach. Future articles alerting filmmakers to more grants will be coming. Note that these are listed in order of deadlines:

Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund

What It Does: The Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund provides grants of $95,000 for the production of original, independent, and feature-length documentary films. These must be concerned with social and political issues in the United States and "focus on one of Pare Lorentz’s central concerns—the appropriate use of the natural environment, justice for all or the illumination of pressing social problems."

What it Does: The winning applications are invited to this annual event where about 75% of filmmakers successfully locate funding for their films, which can be at any stage between early production and festival runs. They do not guarantee funding, but "can promise to help you develop your impact ideas, research the landscape and connect you first to the community of like-minded filmmakers and then to a world of potential partners and advocates." For further details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Website below.

What It Does: Provides significant funding for both U.S. and international documentary filmmakers, covering production and post-production activities. Applications must be through an organization or company and priority is given to experienced filmmakers. According to their Website, they "seek to fund documentary projects that address the significant social challenges of our time or explore important but under-reported topics in a journalistic manner."

What It Does: This Canadian grant is for assisting documentary filmmakers working in any language but born and living in Asia, Latin American, or Africa. Applications must be in English, Spanish, or French.

What it Does: Supports emerging filmmakers who have already demonstrated a commitment to documentary filmmakers. It is also open to organizations within the United States that are considered charities by the IRS. Applicants must live and work in California, Oregon, or Washington.

What it Does: Provides significant funding in all stages of production for independent, international documentary filmmakers. The fund offers "$1M-$2M in non-recoupable financing annually across all stages of development, production, post-production, and strategic audience engagement."